The College of Letters and Science's American Indian Student Services office is specifically designed to provide academic advising and support to American Indian students in all schools and colleges of the University. An education from UWM can expand your mind, open doors and change your life for the better. Getting an education is not only important for the well-being of individuals, but also for the growth, health and future of our tribes/nations. Tribal members representing all the nations in Wisconsin as well as members from other tribes are well represented in the alumni of UWM. Every school and college at the University boasts of at least one if not more American Indian graduate. Many have come before and left their tracks on campus.

We can help you:

get admitted to the University

fill out financial aid forms

choose classes

understand how policies and procedures affect you

locate services that can help you solve academic and/or personal problems

meet other American Indians on campus

keep up-to-date on campus and community events

contact your tribe.

Financial Aid

For many students, the most difficult part of college is paying for it. As an American Indian student, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance from your tribe and /or the state Indian grant. You must be an enrolled member of your tribe and demonstrate financial need.

Financial aid comes in the form of grants, loans, work study, or academic scholarships. The most important thing to remember is to apply early. March 1 is the recommended application filing date. Meeting this deadline will ensure that you are considered for all the available funding through the Department of Financial Aid. We can assist you through the sometimes complicated process of applying for and understanding financial aid matters.

American Indian Studies (AIS)

American Indian Studies offers courses taught by Indian faculty in a variety of departments--English, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Ethnic Studies, and Social Work. These courses give all students a chance to learn about diverse tribes and about various aspects of American Indian people, such as intellectual traditions, contributions, world views, contemporary issues, sovereignty, and ways of life. In addition, the courses also give students a chance to study with American Indian faculty. Students can earn an interdisciplinary major in American Indian Studies. Phone Number: 414-229-4259.

American Indian Student Organizations

The American Indian Student Association (AISA) is a student run organization designed to provide American Indian students with a "place to go" on the campus. The group sponsors social and cultural activities throughout the semester. AISA also is involved in student politics. American Indian Student Association's mailing address is UW-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, UWM Union Box 67, Milwaukee, WI 53201, or by phone at (414) 229-5880.

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) was created to increase the number of American Indian scientists and engineers in the nation and to develop technologically informed leaders within the Indian community. AISES is for all American Indian students in the sciences and engineering fields and provides scholarships, monitoring, and support for successful science and engineering careers, including the health and medical sciences. For more information about AISES, please call (414) 229-5880.

Reaching Out

AISS strives to establish and maintain a close relationship with our students and to provide a place on campus that is like a home away from home. In addition to academic advising, we regularly contact students by phone and mail to keep them up-to-date on University and community services, activities and deadlines. We also plan social events throughout the semester, like our back-to-school potluck and bowling.

Cultural and Educational Programming

AISS works closely with the American Indian Student Association to plan cultural and educational activities throughout the academic year. These include an annual Autumn Powwow and the American Indian Awareness Week in the spring.

Community Outreach

AISS supports and participates in community events such as the annual Indian Summer Festival and American Indian Science Fair. AISS tries to be receptive to ideas from the community and works together with community agencies to bring about events such as the Citywide American Indian graduation.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor call 414-229-5880.